36 arrested, 190 pounds of meth seized in massive bust

DEA St. Louis announced a massive methamphetamine takedown on Tuesday in which 36 people were arrested and 190 pounds of meth were seized.

The DEA says the takedown is the culmination of an 18-month investigation. In addition to the meth, law enforcement has seized 1 kilogram of heroin, 16 weapons and drug proceeds totaling just over $1 million. The meth carries a street value of more than $3 million.

"These criminals and their violent acts are why local citizens often don’t feel safe. We hope our efforts make a positive difference in their lives," said DEA Special Agent in-Charge James Shroba.

People from the City of St. Louis, St. Louis County, St. Charles County, Jefferson County and St. Francois County were involved in the bust. The DEA says the network also smuggled cash from the St. Louis region to California.

Several law enforcement agencies, including the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, St. Louis County Police Department, St. Charles County Regional Drug Task Force, St. Francois County Sheriff's Department and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office were involved in the investigation.